06/09/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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There are several pertinent definitions, one of which is common elements which means existing for the benefit or common use of more than two units or share owners, and comparable housin~ which . involves seven factors used in determining whether a unit lS compar- able (such as size, gross rent, and number of bedrooms with others ~equiring the exercise of judgment requiring similar heating and cooling systems, kitchen and bath facilities, special facilities for special category tenants, and accessibility to community services. The last four factors must be similar but do not require exact equiv- alency). Conversion is defined as a situation where two or more rental housing units sharing a common element are converted to separate ownership interests. Cooperative housing units would be living units having separate kitchen facilities. Late in the deli- berations of the task force, it was decided to include cooperatives so this form of housing could not be used as a means for bypassing the condominium conversion process. The Director of HCC can waive partic- ular requirements for cooperatives in particular situations. A waiver can only occur if there is an adopted administrative rule identifying a particular regulatory requirement as equivalent. The tenants cannot waive their rights but they can be negotiated. He added that there is a $500 conversion fee per unit. Mr. Delay stated it has been a pleasure to work with the task force and the public in these open discussions. The council has expressed its concern that they not stand in the way of new multi-unit construc- tion, so he proposes to exempt from most regulations of the condominium ordinance units that are less than ten years old and were constructed after 1975. This would be primarily those who have conversion as part of the financing package. He requested staff to come back with a ~ proposal on this matter. : Mr. Obie stated concurrence with Mr. Delay. He feels that elimina- tion of most requirements except for the special category aspect is an excellent one. He questioned using both a ten-year figure and construction after 1975. Mr. Delay indicated the ten-year stipulation would apply to future construction. Mr. Obie asked if this would encourage people to convert prior to the building becoming ten years old. Mr. Delay stated that it would; if the financing package includes conversion in the first ten years then this would not stand in the way of that financing proposal. Mr. Obie wondered if they would be better off to eliminate the ten-year stipulation and indicate that those units built in or after 1975 are only subject to the special category requirements. Then they would not be encouraging conversions within the first ten years. Mr. Delay stated this could eliminate the impact of the conversion formula. Ms. Smith stated she supports Mr. Delay's suggestion for staff to bring back additional language. Mr. Lieuallen asked how the conversion formula would be affected under this formula. . 6/9/80--8